Within this majestic rural landscape an existing 1868 Scottish farmhouse has been converted into a dramatic double-height space and is now flanked by two larch-clad 'barns'. This grouping reinstates the old house at the heart of the scheme; the three buildings are linked by frameless glazed 'bridges' that concisely establish a conceptual and visual separation between old and new.

A cor-ten clad observatory tower abuts one of the timber barns; its discreet edges and tapering walls allude to the previous light agricultural industry of the area.

This project displays our passion for encouraging contemporary architecture in the rural context. Site specific conditions are to be embraced: a 100 year old old apple tree is retained - the new building simply wraps around it.

Sharp, considered, contemporary detailing is used in combination with subtle references to the local vernacular; the scheme sits sensitively and harmoniously in the larger rural context without becoming a pastiche of the historical.

Visual artist Toby Paterson, guest chair of the Saltire Awards, said of our project : “This brave, self-build refurbishment of an existing farmhouse has been beautifully designed and constructed to create an elegant family home. It fluently combines three disparate forms to address the contours of the site, particular views and landscape.”

Awards: Saltire Medal 2015 & Saltire Society Housing Design Award

Engineer: Allen Gordon LLP

Photography // David Barbour Photography